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Obama Gets Nod From Houston, Austin Papers

His 105 endorsements to McCain's 33 include 24 Bush backers

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Oct 20, 2008 7:43 AM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama has clinched endorsements from the Austin American Statesman and the Houston Chronicle, two Texas papers that once backed George W. Bush—while John McCain gained the Columbus Dispatch in crucial Ohio along with the San Diego Union Tribune. Obama now leads 105-33 in the endorsements race, according to Editor & Publisher—a tally that includes at least 24 papers that were once pro-Bush.

The Chronicle praised Obama for focusing on “bread and butter issues” while McCain went negative; the paper also called “inflammatory” Palin “the worst mistake McCain made in his campaign.” The Statesman spoke similarly of Obama’s “firm grasp” on policy, and skewered McCain in particular on his “false promise of cheap gasoline.” The Dispatch said Obama lacked experience, and worried about checks and balances in a Washington wholly controlled by Democrats.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Barack Obama pauses while addressing supporters at a rally in Fayetteville, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

John McCain holds a child at the conclusion of a rally in Allentown, Pa., Oct. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

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While Arizona Sen. John McCain and his running mate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin have struck an increasingly personal and negative tone in their speeches, Obama has continued to talk about issues of substance.
- the Houston Chronicle

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Obama Gets Nod From Houston, Austin Papers